The best over-ear headphones: Expert tested and reviewed

It’s my job to be honest with you. So, with that in mind, I would not recommend over-ear headphones for exercising. Over-ear headphones are simply not built for rigorous, strenuous, or super-sweaty workout sessions.

Consumer tech companies get their products independently tested to receive an internationally standardized IP rating. Most over-ear headphones don’t have an official IP (ingress protection) rating. Your smartphone probably has an IP68 rating, which means it’s fully protected from water and dust. This high rating is why you can fully submerge your smartphone in water for a short period, and it (hopefully) won’t incur severe damage. 

On the other hand, your over-ear headphones most likely did not receive a formal IP rating. In fact, none of the headphones featured in this list have an official IP rating. The lack of an IP rating means the company did not formally test the headphones for dust or water ingress, meaning you should assume your over-ears are unprotected from solids (dust) or water splashes, droplets, and sprays.

Many over-ear headphones, especially ones with hybrid or active noise-canceling properties, have speakers and microphones on the outside of the ear cups. Water can easily pass through the openings that house the speakers and mics, which can hinder the device’s performance.

If you choose to exercise in your over-ears or wear them in the rain, your sweat or rainwater may damage the ear cup fabric or the internal audio components. You also risk water seeping into the buttons or accumulating on the ear cups, which can hinder the buttons’ functionality or interfere with any tap/swipe controls on the ear cups. Not to mention, you’ll increase the heat buildup inside the ear cups if you choose to exercise in your over-ear headphones, which can make them uncomfortable to wear.

I suggest investing in a pair of earbuds for exercising, which usually have an IPX4 rating or higher. This rating makes them splash and sweat-resistant and more suitable for rigorous workouts.